99043.FVS - March 2, 1999

As I was preparing my speech for the now-canceled International Conference on Fishing Vessel Safety, I happened across the enclosed booklet which has been produced by the United States Coast Guard in cooperation with the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee.

It appears to be an extremely useful booklet on fishing vessel safety and stability. I was very impressed with the simple yet effective message it contained.

I wanted to rush copies to you so that you can send them to your vessels. I would encourage you to purchase the colored version from the U.S. National Technical Information Service in Springfield, Virginia. Call them at 703-605-6000. Quote "PB98-148364" when you call.

I am convinced that knowledge of stability, collision regulations, fire safety and life saving, would prevent hundreds of casualties and save countless thousands of lives in the fishing industry.

Donald J. Sheetz
Executive Vice President